Rotary Electric Motor Is Clutch Actuator Patents (Class 192/84.6)
  • Patent number: 11732765
    Abstract: A prime mover includes a stator fixed to the housing and a rotor rotatable relative to the stator. The prime mover outputs torque by being supplied with electric power. A speed reducer reduces the torque of the prime mover and outputs the reduced torque. A rotational translation unit includes a rotation portion that rotates relative to the housing upon receiving the torque from the speed reducer, and a translation portion that moves relative to the housing in an axial direction. A clutch allows torque transmission in an engaged state, and interrupts the torque transmission in a disengaged state. A state changing unit changes the state of the clutch by receiving a force along the axial direction from the translation portion. Cogging torque generated between the rotor and the stator is set to such a magnitude that the rotor is stoppable at any rotation position relative to the stator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Akikazu Uchida, Takumi Sugiura, Akira Takagi, Masayuki Echizen
  • Patent number: 11486452
    Abstract: A transmission device includes: a shaft member, in the outer circumferential surface of which is formed a male thread centered about a second axis perpendicular to a first axis of a friction clutch; a screw member has a female thread that meshes with the male thread; an arm reciprocates together with the screw member; a first cam member couples to the arm to regulate the rotation of the screw member and rotates around the first axis; a second cam member has a cam surface that is oriented in the direction of the first axis to oppose a cam surface of the first cam member; and a rolling member is disposed between the two cam surfaces to roll on the two cam surfaces; the first cam member or the second cam member subjects the friction clutch to a force oriented in the direction of the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2022
    Assignee: UNIVANCE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Yasumasa Nakajo
  • Patent number: 11476732
    Abstract: An electric actuator includes: an electric motor 2, a relay circuit 3 that switches ON/OFF of power supply to the electric motor 2, a motion conversion mechanism 4 that converts a rotary motion of the electric motor 2 into a motion in a direction different therefrom and outputs the motion, and a housing 1. The housing 1 is configured by joining two housing split bodies 1a and 1b to each other, and in an internal space formed by joining the two housing split bodies 1a and 1b, the electric motor 2, the relay circuit 3, and the motion conversion mechanism 4 are housed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takushi Matsuto, Akio Kato, Atsushi Ikeda
  • Patent number: 11149801
    Abstract: A clutch includes: an input member and an output member that rotate about an axis; an actuator fixed so as to be nonrotatable, the actuator having a plunger, a case, and a coil housed in the case; and an elastic member having one end which is connected to the output member via a bearing and another end which is connected to the plunger directly or indirectly. Further, when the coil is energized and the plunger is attracted in a direction of the axis, the another end of the elastic member is biased in the direction of the axis, the elastic member is elastically deformed, and the output member is consequently pressed against and engaged with the input member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shioiri, Taro Moteki, Yohko Yamashita
  • Patent number: 10767710
    Abstract: A clutch drive unit 220 includes a crank arm 221 configured to rotate by rotary driving of a clutch actuator 231. The crank arm 221 includes an output pin 222 configured to press a master cylinder 232, and a receiving pin 223 configured to receive pressing force P from an extendable body 228. The extendable body 228 includes a lock spring 228a with such strength that the pressing force P is generated. The pressing force P allows pressing moment PM greater than reactive force moment RM based on reactive force R acting on the crank arm 221 from a clutch 210 to act on the crank arm 221. The extendable body 228 is, by the stretching force of the lock spring 228a, provided in a stretched state between the receiving pin 223 and a holder receiving pin 229.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha F.C.C.
    Inventors: Shouji Makita, Kazuyoshi Miyachi, Ryouhei Chiba, Kaoru Iida
  • Patent number: 10590998
    Abstract: Overrunning coupling and control assembly and control system for use therein are provided. The system includes a control member mounted for controlled shifting movement between the coupling faces of first of second coupling members. A one-way locking member such as a pawl is pivotally connected to the control member for movement between a disengaged position in which the control member is permitted to shift or rotate relative to the second coupling member and an engaged position between the control member and a locking member engaging portion of the second coupling member to lock the control member and the second coupling member together to prevent the control member from inadvertently shifting in a first direction relative to the second coupling member in the absence of an actuator command signal received by a bi-directional actuator subassembly including an output member connected to the control member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignee: Means Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Joshua D. Hand, Earl A. Getchel
  • Patent number: 10544838
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch assembly for a powertrain of a motor vehicle, comprising at least one clutch and at least one actuation device. The clutch can be brought into an open position and/or a closed position by means of the actuation device such that a first sub-region of the powertrain and a second sub-region of the powertrain are decoupled and/or coupled. The actuation device comprises an actuation element and a control element which is connected to the clutch. The control element is arranged in a guidable manner in a guide slot with respect to the actuation element, and the control element is held in the region of the guide slot by means of an energy storage element, which counteracts a movement of the control element out of a first stop position along the guide slot, in the closed position of the clutch. The invention also relates to a method for decoupling the first sub-region of the powertrain from the second sub-region of the powertrain by means of the clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Assignee: MAGNA POWERTRAIN GMBH & CO KG
    Inventors: Johannes Quehenberger, Johann Willberger
  • Patent number: 10539196
    Abstract: A selectable one-way clutch includes: a shaft; an actuator configured to cause the shaft to perform a rectilinear motion in a shaft direction; and an arm including an operation portion configured to receive force in the shaft direction from the shaft. The shaft includes a first flange and a second flange. An engaged state and a released state the selectable one-way clutch are switched by an operation of the arm by the rectilinear motion of the shaft, in an assembled state of the shaft and the arm in which the operation portion is arranged between the first flange and the second flange. The first flange is provided with a cut portion in an outer peripheral edge of the first shaft. The shaft has a structure in which the first flange does not face the operation portion in the shaft direction by the cut portion of the first flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2020
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hiroki Yasui, Hiroyuki Shioiri, Hiroyuki Shibata, Yuki Kurosaki
  • Patent number: 10480597
    Abstract: A clutch apparatus includes a clutch hub, a clutch drum, a multi-plate clutch having inner clutch plates and outer clutch plates, a piston for pressing the multi-plate clutch, an electric motor, a moving mechanism for moving the piston in an axial direction in accordance with the amount of rotation of the electric motor, and a control unit for controlling the electric motor. When increasing a rotational force that is transmitted between the clutch hub and the clutch drum by increasing electric current that is supplied to the electric motor, the control unit moves the piston in the axial direction by temporarily supplying the electric motor with the electric current having a first current value that is greater than a second current value corresponding to a target rotational force that needs to be transmitted between the clutch hub and the clutch drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2019
    Assignee: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomohiro Nozu, Yuta Takeuchi, Tsutomu Matsumoto, Shotaro Niimi
  • Patent number: 10288160
    Abstract: A clutch assembly includes a first clutch assembly having first clutch plates rotatably fixed to a first shaft and first carrier plates rotatably fixed to a clutch basket. The clutch assembly further includes a second clutch assembly having second clutch plates rotatably fixed to a second shaft and second carrier plates rotatably fixed to the clutch basket. The first and second clutch assemblies rotate about a common central axis and are actuated by a common actuator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William David Guarino, Paul Moubarak
  • Patent number: 10253858
    Abstract: Disclosed is a clearance control swash plate device for a transmission or reducer and a single-shaft two-speed drive system, including the clearance control swash plate device, with a friction clutch. The clearance control swash plate device includes: an action plate mounted on a power transfer shaft; a first thrust bearing disposed on the action plate, and configured to prevent rotation force, received from the action plate, from being transferred; a first clearance swash plate disposed on the first thrust bearing; a second clearance swash plate disposed on the first clearance swash plate; a worm engaged with a worm gear formed on the outer circumference of the second clearance swash plate; a second thrust bearing disposed on the second clearance swash plate, and configured to prevent rotation force, received from the second clearance swash plate, from being transferred; and a thrust washer disposed on the second thrust bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: ETR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kwang Suk You
  • Patent number: 10234025
    Abstract: The invention mainly relates to a method for controlling a rotating electrical machine (7) interacting with a motor vehicle gearbox (1), characterized in that, during a phase of synchronization between two speed ratios (R1-Rn) during which the rotating electrical machine (7) is controlled for speed and there is a change of the type of modulation with transition from modulation of the full-wave type (FW) to pulse-width modulation (PWM), said method comprises a control step with the aim of limiting the variations of an output current of an inverter during the phase of change of the type of modulation without compensation of torque variations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Valeo Equipements Electriques Moteur
    Inventors: François-Xavier Bernard, Gilbert Konan, Joachim Laupa
  • Patent number: 10066743
    Abstract: A transfer case (30) and a method of assembly in an all-wheel drive vehicle can include a range shifting assembly (60) for shifting between a low-range and high-range drive mode, a normally disengaged clutch assembly (80) for transferring drive torque to a first and second driveline, a clutch actuator (88), and an actuating gear (48). The clutch actuator (88) can be moveable between an expanded position and a contracted position and engageable with the clutch assembly (80) for engaging the clutch assembly (80) when in the expanded position. The actuating gear (48) can be reversibly rotatable through a predetermined angular arc of movement for operating the clutch actuator (88) between the contracted and expanded position for actuating the clutch assembly (80) and for shifting the range shifting assembly (60) between a low-range drive mode and a high-range mode when the clutch assembly (80) is in the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2018
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Larry A. Pritchard, David E. Young, Joseph Mastie, Donn Niffenegger, Christopher Kurmaniak
  • Patent number: 9856935
    Abstract: An electro-hydraulic actuator (1) for actuating a brake (2) with a hydraulic thrust unit comprises an electric motor (3), a converting mechanism (5) to convert a rotational motion of the motor (4) into a translational motion, a cylinder (8), and a piston (9) connected to the converting mechanism, wherein the converting mechanism (5) is configured so that, for a given angular speed of the drive shaft (4), the translation speed of the piston (9) decreases from a maximum value in a rear length (14) of the piston stroke to a minimum value in a front length (13) of the piston stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Freni Brembo S.p.A.
    Inventors: Riccardo Arrigoni, Alessandro Rossi, Fabio Carbone, Paolo Sala, Beniamin Szewczyk
  • Patent number: 9644689
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuating device for a clutch having a stator device, a rotor device which is rotatable in relation to the stator device and a carriage device which is movable to a limited extent in an axial direction in relation to the rotor device and which supplies tensile and thrust forces, which is operatively connected to a push-pull device that is designed to exert tensile and thrust forces on a lever element of the clutch, where the push-pull device has at least one pull element and at least one push element, between which the lever element can be accommodated, and which are connectible to one another, as well as to a clutch having an actuating device, an electric drive module having a clutch, and a method for installing a clutch having an actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Florian Nachtmann, Sebastien Oster, Willi Ruder, Sebastien Heitz
  • Patent number: 9181990
    Abstract: A clutch actuator for a vehicle includes a lifting member having a first end connected to a power generator, a middle portion provided with a hinge point, and a second end formed with an inclined plane, the lifting member being linearly moved by receiving a power from the power generator; a guide member provided at one side of the second end of the lifting member to rotate the second end of the lifting member around the hinge point as the lifting member is linearly moved while the inclined planes are supported; and a lever provided at one side of the lifting member and having a first end thereof supported by a clutch housing and a second end rotating around the first end by being pressed by the lifting member according to the movement/rotation of the lifting member, to engage with or release a clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignees: HYUNDAI MOTOR COMPANY, PYONG HWA VALEO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tae Won Kim, Yeon Ho Kim, Baek Yu Kim, Hee Ra Lee, Yoon Sub So, Man Dae Hur, Jin Ho Jang
  • Publication number: 20150107957
    Abstract: A clutch assembly of a vehicle includes a shaft configured to rotate around a rotation axis inside the shaft, a connection arm connected to the shaft, to a pilot-controlled mechanism, and to a mechanical servo that controls a movement of the vehicle, and at least two electromechanical actuators. The electromechanical actuators are configured to be selectively engaged with the shaft via an electromechanical clutch, such that the electromechanical actuators are disconnected from controlling a movement of the shaft and the connection arm when the electromechanical clutch is disengaged, and the electromechanical actuators are configured to control movement of the shaft and the connection arm when the electromechanical clutch is engaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation
    Inventors: Elliot Kruk, Wiiliam F. Lange, Michael Paul Baran
  • Patent number: 8991582
    Abstract: An actuator for driving a release mechanism of a clutch includes a motor, an output member, a ball screw mechanism, a trapezoidal screw mechanism and a power transmission mechanism. The output member is coupled to the release mechanism, and is movable in an actuation direction of the release mechanism. The ball screw mechanism is configured to convert rotation of the motor in one direction into movement of the output member in a first axial direction. The trapezoidal screw mechanism has a self-lock function against a reverse driving force from the release mechanism, and is configured to convert rotation of the motor in the other direction into movement of the output member in a second axial direction. The power transmission mechanism is configured to selectively transmit rotation of the motor to the ball screw mechanism or the trapezoidal screw mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Eguchi, Teruhiko Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8992378
    Abstract: A vehicle powertrain includes a first rotatable member and a second rotatable member. A clutch has an engaged state in which torque is transferred between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member through the clutch. The clutch has a disengaged state in which torque is not transferred between the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member through the clutch. A clutch actuator includes a motor-generator that has a rotor rotatably drivable by one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member, and has a stator powerable to rotatably drive the rotor relative to said one of the first rotatable member and the second rotatable member. A controller is operatively connected to the stator and is configured to control the motor-generator to function as a generator to provide torque on the rotor. The motor-generator provides electrical power to a vehicle component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Alan G. Holmes, Anthony L. Smith, Anthony J. Corsetti
  • Patent number: 8985292
    Abstract: A clutch operating device includes a drive mechanism and an assist mechanism. The drive mechanism is configured to generate a driving force and transmit the driving force to a clutch device. The assist mechanism is a mechanism for assisting the drive mechanism and includes a pressure mechanism and a toggle mechanism. The pressure mechanism is configured to generate a pressing force. The toggle mechanism is configured to convert the pressing force of the pressure mechanism into an assist force gradually increased from a power blocked state to a power transmitted state of the clutch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Eguchi, Hiroaki Kato
  • Publication number: 20150075941
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to durability enhancement techniques for a dry-clutch vehicle transmission. A cooling system that provides a direct convective cooling path to friction surfaces is disclosed. Also disclosed is a continuously variable clutch wear compensation assembly configured to adjust the position of clutch assembly components on-demand or as needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: STEVEN A. FRAIT, THOMAS G. LEONE, NORMAN J. BIRD, MATTHEW T. TRENT, JOHN E. BREVICK
  • Patent number: 8978855
    Abstract: A clutch type driving mechanism used in a hybrid powered vehicle is disclosed to include an axle housing mounted at a motor shaft of a motor, a sliding sleeve having a female thread meshed with a male thread of the axle housing, an axle bearing mounted in the sliding sleeve, an input shaft rotatably and slidably supported in the axle bearing with its one end normally kept apart from the axle housing and its other end provided with a gear, and an output shaft meshed with the gear of the input shaft. When the motor is started, the axle housing is driven by the motor shaft to rotate the sliding sleeve, and the sliding sleeve is moved along the axle housing toward the motor due to the effects of inertia, causing friction engagement between the input shaft and the axle housing so that the axle housing can drive the input shaft to transfer rotational motion to the output shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Lorom Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Feng Wang
  • Patent number: 8967350
    Abstract: A driving force transmission apparatus includes: a first cam mechanism that converts rotational force from a housing into first cam thrust force used as clutch force of a main clutch when the first cam mechanism is actuated through clutch action of a pilot clutch; and a second cam mechanism that is actuated prior to conversion of the rotational force into the first cam thrust force by the first cam mechanism, and that generates second cam thrust force for reducing an interval between clutch plates of the main clutch. The second cam mechanism includes an input cam member that rotates upon receiving rotational force used as actuating force of the input cam member from a cam actuating driving source, and an output cam member that generates the second cam thrust force between the output cam member and the input cam member and outputs the second cam thrust force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Assignee: Jtekt Corporation
    Inventors: Noriyuki Fujii, Hiroshi Takuno, Kunihiko Suzuki, Yuji Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 8960400
    Abstract: A clutch operating device includes a drive mechanism and a reduction mechanism. The drive mechanism generates a driving force. The reduction mechanism is a mechanism configured to amplify the driving force by reducing the driving amount to be inputted thereto from the reduction mechanism and convert the amplified driving force into an operating force of a clutch device. The reduction mechanism has a reduction ratio characteristic gradually increasing from a power blocking state to a power transmitting state of the clutch device and is allowed to adjust the reduction ratio characteristic in accordance with a state of the clutch device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: EXEDY Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Eguchi, Hiroaki Kato
  • Patent number: 8950560
    Abstract: A power unit includes, electric motors for generating driving forces for respectively engaging clutches, and a clutch cover covering outer sides of the clutches in a direction along a power shaft. The electric motors are disposed in such a manner that drive axes arranged in a longitudinal direction thereof are perpendicular to the direction along the power shaft; further, the electric motors are disposed on the periphery of the clutch cover within a width W in the direction along the power shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kinya Mizuno, Yasushi Fujimoto, Masaya Murao, Kazuhiko Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8944231
    Abstract: A mechanism for changing the operating condition of a shifting element having two shifting element halves, which can either be functionally connected to connect two components or disengaged to break the connection between the components. The mechanism includes a drive machine and a drive converter unit in the area of which rotary drive motion of the drive machine can be converted into a translational actuation movement of the shifting element. A spring device is associated with the drive converter unit, whose spring force assists with actuating the shifting element in the engaging direction. The spring device includes an approximately circular flat spring element which, in at least one area of the drive converter unit, is in contact with at least one cam, whose stress condition varies as a function of an operating condition of the drive converter unit and is designed to be rotationally fixed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Detlef Baasch, Ulrich Mair
  • Publication number: 20150028658
    Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator device for torque transmission equipment such as a clutch, e.g. a friction clutch or dog clutch, or a brake, comprising at least two electric motors, wherein the rotors of the electric motors are kinematically coupled together via a summation gear, and the summation gear has an output side which is coupled to an actuator of the torque transmission equipment in such a way that a state of the actuator can be set as a function of a relative rotation between the two rotors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2013
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventor: Oswald Friedmann
  • Publication number: 20140353109
    Abstract: An actuator for driving a release mechanism of a clutch includes a motor, an output member, a ball screw mechanism, a trapezoidal screw mechanism and a power transmission mechanism. The output member is coupled to the release mechanism, and is movable in an actuation direction of the release mechanism. The ball screw mechanism is configured to convert rotation of the motor in one direction into movement of the output member in a first axial direction. The trapezoidal screw mechanism has a self-lock function against a reverse driving force from the release mechanism, and is configured to convert rotation of the motor in the other direction into movement of the output member in a second axial direction. The power transmission mechanism is configured to selectively transmit rotation of the motor to the ball screw mechanism or the trapezoidal screw mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Eguchi, Teruhiko Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20140346002
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement for a motor vehicle drive train which has at least one friction clutch for transmitting drive torque, in particular in the form of a starting clutch, as well as a gearbox having at least two gears, which can be engaged and disengaged by means of a shift clutch arrangement. The actuator arrangement comprises a hydraulic circuit that has a pump driven by means of an electric motor; a clutch hydraulic cylinder by means of which the friction clutch can be actuated; and a shift actuator device for actuating the shift clutch arrangement. The shift actuator device has a shift drum which is or can be coupled to the electric motor via a shift drum coupling device in a manner such that the shift drum can be set in rotation by means of the electric motor in order to actuate the shift clutch arrangement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Carsten Bünder, Stefan Rothvoss
  • Patent number: 8893869
    Abstract: A clutch actuator for vehicles may include a lever lift engaged to a power generation unit so that the lever lift may be linearly moved by power generated from the power generation unit, wherein the lever lift includes an inclined surface provided on each of first and second ends thereof, and a lever provided between the lever lift and an actuating member that operates a diaphragm spring, wherein the lever includes lift protrusions formed at positions corresponding to respective inclined surfaces and contacting thereto, and wherein the lever may be configured such that when the lever lift linearly moves in a predetermined direction, the lift protrusions move along corresponding inclined surfaces, so that opposite ends of the lever pivotally rotate, whereby one of the opposite ends of the lever moves towards the actuating member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Wan Soo Oh, Jae Woong Hwang
  • Patent number: 8897980
    Abstract: A method of estimating transmission torque of a dry clutch, may include a) slowly releasing a dry clutch until a slip of the dry clutch occurs, b) acquiring and storing stroke of an actuator and torque of an engine at a starting time point at which the slip of the dry clutch occurs at step a), and c) determining the stroke of the actuator and the transmission torque of the dry clutch at the starting time point at which the slip of the dry clutch occurs, by using the stroke of the actuator and the torque of the engine stored at step b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corp.
    Inventors: Young Min Yoon, Seung Sam Baek, Sung Hyun Cho, Ho Young Lee, Joung Chul Kim
  • Patent number: 8708854
    Abstract: A torque transmitting system includes a case, first and second clutch plates, and a ramp member that is selectively rotatable about an axis and that defines a ramp surface. The system also includes an electric motor having a motor housing, wherein the case is rotatable relative to the housing about the axis. The motor is configured to selectively apply torque to rotate the ramp member. The system additionally includes a roller element mounted with respect to the case and contacting the ramp surface. The ramp surface is configured such that, when the ramp member is rotated about the axis, the roller element exerts a reaction force on the ramp surface that urges the ramp member to move in a first axial direction and thereby transmit the reaction force to the clutch plates. A transmission assembly including the above described torque transmitting system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Li Chen, Jian Yao, Chunhao J. Lee, Chi-Kuan Kao, Farzad Samie, Yu Dong, Chengliang Yin
  • Patent number: 8657095
    Abstract: The invention relates to a control device and to a method for controlling an automated clutch, which includes a hydraulic clutch actuating system, which has a hydrostatic actuator, which is driven by and electric-motor actuating drive having an incremental displacement sensor in such a way that the actuator moves in a translatable manner. The invention includes an absolute displacement sensor, which detects the actuator position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Juergen Eich
  • Patent number: 8651255
    Abstract: A clutch actuating apparatus for a double clutch transmission, may include an operation rod that constructs an operation stroke for engaging a clutch while moving straight, an electric power unit that generates a rotational force, a straight converting unit that converts the rotational force of the electric power unit into a straight movement force for moving straight the operation rod, a supplement force supplying unit for increasing the straight movement force of the operation rod and removing increased straight movement force in accordance with whether the operation rod engages or disengages the clutch, a rod locating unit that changes a position of the operation rod relative to the straight converting unit, and a housing that accommodates the straight converting unit and the supplement force supplying unit and covers the operation rod with a portion exposed to the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jongyop Kim, Sungyong Cho, Hyunduk Chang
  • Patent number: 8640845
    Abstract: A clutch driving device includes a pair of first and second roller wing arms horizontally moving to both sides by moving body moving forward/backward on an axial center line of an actuator and a roller inclined cam surface defining a move path of a pivot is formed such that first and second roller wing arms horizontally move to both sides from the axial center line of actuator, on the surface of a lever generating a stroke at a release bearing. Therefore, the lever can be lifted above a clutch engagement gap where a sufficient stroke is generated at the release bearing engaging a clutch, such that it is possible to achieve sufficient performance even if the output of actuator is reduced by the amount of energy consumption which is relative reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jong Yop Kim, Sung Yong Cho, Hyun Duk Chang
  • Patent number: 8607954
    Abstract: A control apparatus for a clutch driving mechanism can include a clutch driving mechanism which connects and disconnects a clutch. An angle sensor can detect the angle of rotation of a cam member. A cam face can include a first cam face for connecting the clutch through the linear motion of the operating member. A second cam face, formed continuously to the first cam face, can disconnect the clutch through the linear motion of the operating member. The angle sensor 21 can include a first angle sensor which can detect an angular range of the first cam face, and a second angle sensor which can detect an angular range of the second cam face. The dead zones E of the angle sensors are disposed in such a manner as not to overlap with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Nedachi
  • Publication number: 20130282248
    Abstract: A method is provided for the load-free opening of a separating clutch. The method includes the following steps: receiving a signal for disengaging the clutch; applying a negative torque at the separating clutch using a drive machine; applying a positive, predefined torque at the separating clutch using the drive machine; and opening the separating clutch as soon as the amount of the torque applied at the separating clutch lies within predefined limit values. In other words, a torque in the known range of the system is set via a drive-side deceleration. Then, a drive-side acceleration takes place, so that the torque is increased on the drive side, starting from the known range of the system, until it generally matches the torque on the output side. This enables a load-free opening of the clutch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 24, 2013
    Inventors: Tino Merkel, Markus Peter
  • Patent number: 8534435
    Abstract: An actuating device for applying actuating forces in a friction clutch device for engaging and disengaging a friction clutch assembly of the friction clutch device. The torque transmission device comprises the actuating device for transmission of torque between a drive unit and a transmission which also includes the friction clutch device. A method for installing a torque transmission device of this type. Various aspects relate to setting of a pre-load on a bearing of the actuating device, setting an over-dead-point configuration for a compensation spring associated with at least one rotary member of the actuating device, setting a rotation movement range for the rotary member and/or an axial movement range for an actuating element which can be displaced axially by rotation movement imparted to the rotary member, and producing either a normally engaged or disengaged characteristic in a normally-engaged or normally-disengaged friction clutch assembly with the compensation spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Peter Fenn, Andreas Ratte, Klaus Reuter, Ralf Steinfeldt, Matthias Reisch, Juergen Wafzig
  • Patent number: 8532895
    Abstract: An assist device for a vehicle including a power train connected to drive wheels by a clutch, a bus, and a power-assist parking brake. The device includes sensors that transmit signals to the bus and a mechanism for learning-based estimation of a clutch curve on the basis of the signals, the curve connecting the position of the clutch pedal and a maximum torque range that can be transmitted by the corresponding clutch and a mechanism phasing the delivered signals to reduce an influence of noise on the sensors associated with the signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Renault S.A.S.
    Inventors: Christophe Desfriches, Alessandro Monti, Richard Pothin
  • Patent number: 8517156
    Abstract: A clutch actuating apparatus for a double clutch transmission, may include an electric unit that generates rotational force, a decelerating unit coupled to the electric unit and reducing the rotational force of the electric unit, a straight-converting unit that converts the rotational force reduced by the decelerating unit into a straight motion force, a push rod that is moved straight by the straight motion force of the straight-converting unit and makes an operational stroke to selectively engage a clutch, a supplement force supplying unit engaging with the push rod to increase the straight movement force to the push rod or to remove the increased straight movement force from the push rod when the push rod engages or disengages the clutch, and a rod locating unit coupled to the push rod and changing a relative position of the push rod to the straight-converting unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jongyop Kim, Sungyong Cho, Hyunduk Chang
  • Patent number: 8505704
    Abstract: An apparatus for operating a clutch which may be mounted at a vehicle structure and controls an operation of the clutch may include a motor provided with a motor shaft and receiving electrical energy so as to selectively rotate the motor shaft, a cam mounted at the motor shaft and rotating together with the motor shaft, and a push rod assembly coupled to a clutch fork of the clutch, wherein the push rod assembly may be elastically biased toward and slidably contacted to the cam such that the push rod assembly moves forward or rearward according to a rotating angle of the cam so as to operate the clutch fork.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Youngho Kim
  • Patent number: 8474579
    Abstract: An electromotive brake system may include a caliper housing, a first and second friction pads, a brake disk disposed in between, a pressurizing member connected to the second friction pad, a push rod with a push rod groove, an operating disk inserted in the push rod groove, first and second springs, a rotating ramp adapted to convert the rotational movement of a motor into a linear movement of a non-rotating ramp by a ball disposed between the rotating ramp and the non-rotating ramp. The electromotive brake system may further include first and second catching portions, a plurality of teeth and corresponding engaging protrusion of the teeth. The plurality of teeth and the protrusion may have slanted or curved surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Dongyoon Hyun
  • Publication number: 20130151100
    Abstract: A compensation method of an actuator system for a clutch may compensate initial operating position of an actuator that may be changed due to abrasion so that may maintain stroke distance of a clutch stable. The compensation method includes determining a target pressure if operating requirement of a clutch is detected and operating an actuator according to the target pressure, determining whether operating movement of the actuator is strayed from a predetermined value if operating pressure of the actuator reaches the target pressure, determining error of initial operating position of the actuator if the operating movement of the actuator is strayed from the predetermined value and determining compensating ratio according to the detected position deviation of the error and compensates the initial operating position of the actuator by controlling a lead screw of the actuator according to the determined compensating ratio.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicants: Hyundai Motor Company, Motonic Corporation, Keyang Electric Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyundai Motor Company, Keyang Electric Machinery Co., Ltd., Motonic Corporation
  • Patent number: 8459428
    Abstract: An electronic clutch control apparatus is provided for a vehicle having a clutch assembly and a clutch lever operatively associated with the clutch assembly. The electronic clutch control apparatus includes an actuator for driving a clutch assembly, an operation amount sensor for sensing an operation amount of a clutch lever, an electronic control unit for controlling the operation of the actuator based on the detected operation amount received from the operation amount sensor, and a feedback unit for applying an operation reaction force to the clutch lever. The feedback unit includes a plurality of springs having different spring constants. The feedback unit is configured such that when the clutch lever is operated in an operation amount increasing direction thereof, the operational reactive elastic forces of the plural springs are sequentially applied to the clutch lever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koshi Hayakawa, Yoshitsugu Gokan, Akihiko Tomoda
  • Patent number: 8443954
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clutch having two clutch parts which can be brought into engagement in form fitted manner for the torque transfer; and a shift member which is movable in a first direction to bring the clutch parts out of engagement and is movable in a second direction to bring the clutch parts into engagement. A motor is provided for the movement of the shift member in the first direction and a spring element is provided for the movement of the shift member in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Magna Powertrain AG & Co KG
    Inventors: Johannes Quehenberger, Simon Kaimer, Klaus Eder, Todd Ekonen
  • Patent number: 8397887
    Abstract: An actuating system for at least first and second coaxially arranged shifting elements of a transmission, in particular, a dual-clutch transmission (1) with at least two coaxially arranged control devices for actuating the associated shifting elements. The control devices comprise at least one rotary drive (4, 5) and at least one control element (6, 7) which are coupled to one another by corresponding gearteeth such that rotational movement, of each rotary drive (4, 5), can be converted into an axial control movement of the associated control element (6, 7). The axial position of the teeth of the geartooth array, of each control element (6, 7), varies in the circumferential direction, at least over a certain range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Matthias Reisch, Juergen Wafzig
  • Patent number: 8348038
    Abstract: A disk friction clutch apparatus using a self-energizing effect is disclosed. The clutch apparatus includes a drive friction disk connected to a drive shaft, a driven friction disk connected to a driven shaft, a push member configured to press the driven friction disk against the drive friction disk at an engagement position of a clutch, and an operation unit configured to shift the push member from the release position of the clutch to the engagement position. The operation unit is operated to increase a force of the push member to press the driven friction disk when the push member located at the engagement position of the clutch receives a force of rotating the drive shaft. Since the clutch apparatus employs a self-energizing effect, it is possible to fasten the clutch with a small force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Seibum Choi, Hyung Jin Sung, Jinsung Kim
  • Patent number: 8344565
    Abstract: An actuator arrangement for the axial displacement of an actuation member by means of a drive force which is generated by an electric machine, in particular for a shift-clutch arrangement of a multi-step gear change transmission. The actuation member is mounted axially displaceably on a rotary shaft. The electric machine has a stator fixed to a housing and a rotor which is coupled to the actuation member and is arranged coaxially with respect to the actuation member. The rotor is coupled to the actuation member with a form fit in the axial direction. Here, the rotor or the actuation member has a radial projection which engages into a radial groove of the other part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: GETRAG Getriebe- und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG
    Inventors: Mark Schweiher, Uli Christian Blessing, Thorsten Gatzka, Ulrich Knoedel
  • Publication number: 20120298466
    Abstract: A stroke start position is detected by a change amount of a clutch hydraulic pressure that has become smaller than a negative predetermined value ?P1 during clutch connection control by a clutch actuator, and a stroke end position is detected by a change amount of the clutch hydraulic pressure that has become larger than a positive change amount ?P2. By using a proportional function formed by a stroke start hydraulic pressure Ps detected at the stroke start position and a stroke end hydraulic pressure Pe detected at the stroke end position, a target half-clutch hydraulic pressure Ph that generates a predetermined target half-clutch capacity in a predetermined half-clutch state between the stroke start position and the stroke end position is calculated. By using the target half-clutch hydraulic pressure Ph, a clutch control amount in the predetermined half-clutch state is determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Nedachi, Takashi Ozeki, Kazuyuki Fukaya, Mayuko Higuchi, Hiroyuki Kojima, Kazuhiko Nakamura, Yoshihiko Muneno
  • Publication number: 20120241281
    Abstract: The invention relates to a hydrostatic actuator, having a master cylinder including a housing and a piston, which is axially mountable in the housing and which pressurizes a pressure chamber filled with pressure medium, a planetary rolling-contact gear system that converts a rotary drive into an axial motion and that has a sleeve, a gear-driven spindle, and planetary rolling elements that roll therebetween, and an electric motor that drives the planetary rolling-contact gear system and that has a stator rigidly connected to a housing and a rotor that can be rotated relative to the stator. In order to optimize the installation space, the pressure chamber is annular and the planetary rolling-contact gear system is arranged radially within the pressure chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Viktor Franz, Matthias Ehrlich, Norbert Esly